The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is excited to announce its “Shot with a Chaser” campaign, a partnership with the South Carolina Brewers Guild to help boost vaccination rates among young adults. Numerous breweries across the state are participating in this initiative.
The 20-24 age group is the least vaccinated group in South Carolina, making up less than one percent of all vaccinated individuals, according to DHEC data. Through this new campaign, the single-shot Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine will be offered at participating breweries, with some breweries offering the two-dose Moderna vaccine, as well. Anyone who gets their shot on-site from a trained medical professional will be offered a free beer or soda; those who choose a beer must be 21 or older.
“DHEC’s partnership with the South Carolina Brewer’s Guild is the latest example of innovation and outside-the-box thinking that it’s going to take to beat this pandemic,” said Dr. Edward Simmer, DHEC Director. “Young adults are often busy travelers and incredibly social, so we want to make sure they get their shot to protect themselves and others while visiting restaurants, vacationing, and attending various events. This promotion will go a long way in meeting that goal.”
DHEC encourages everyone who partakes in the free beer to drink responsibly and follow any mask requirements or other precautions established by the brewery or surrounding municipality. Individuals will be monitored for at least 15 minutes after getting their shot, which is the standard observation period after vaccine administration. No proof of medical insurance will be needed.
“Brewers across South Carolina are committed to healthy communities,” said Brook Bristow, Executive Director of the South Carolina Brewers Guild. “As small, locally-minded businesses, our citizens are our most valuable asset. If they aren’t healthy, then we can’t be either. We’re excited to partner with DHEC to expand vaccine access across the state at many of our member breweries as a part of this program.”
Below is a list of breweries teaming with DHEC, as well as dates and times these locations are offering the COVID-19 vaccine. The most current information on the Shot with a Chaser campaign is available at stayscstrong.com/breweries.